Chapter 21: Karate Should Be for Everyone
Ballet Nuys
LaRusso Auto Body
Frederick stepped out of the car he was driving and walked towards the facilities of the LaRusso company, which sold cars at this dealership.
"Welcome, are you here to buy a car?" A man approached Frederick, and upon assessing him, he realized it was Daniel, one of the important members of the karate committee in the San Fernando Valley.
"How much does this car cost?" Frederick stood in front of a 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429, which was truly a beauty.
Daniel looked at the car and smiled, "This is indeed the beauty of a car. We don't normally have such expensive cars, and since it's a unique piece, the price is two hundred thousand dollars. But if you take it, I can close it at two hundred thousand."
"These prices are very high. I thought you only sold cars that would pass on to the competition by being affordable... Well, do you still closely follow the Valley Karate committee?" Frederick looked at Daniel LaRusso and asked directly.
"Oh, do you want an autograph?" Daniel joked with Frederick, but seeing that he didn't smile, he felt a bit uncomfortable and asked, "What's the reason for that question?"
"Nothing in particular. My son will participate in the upcoming tournament... By the way, I'm Frederick Hale, nice to meet you." Frederick greeted the man in front of him and nodded at his excellent sales skills.
"If you've seen my ads, you'll know who I am, but nice to meet you, Daniel LaRusso." Daniel felt more at ease knowing that he was talking to a father whose son would compete in the karate tournament and asked, "How long has your son been training? I have a daughter, but she has recently set aside karate, so it's admirable that there are still kids interested in the discipline."
"Not much more than three months, but I wanted to ask if there's a possibility of having a female division since my son's friend wants to participate. It wouldn't be fair to have only one winner."
This conversation pace left Daniel a bit pensive. He tried to keep up with the conversation and finally understood what this man was getting at.
"Well, there has never been a competition where women are considered, but you're right. We could propose it and see the results in this new tournament." Daniel thought that this new change was acceptable, so after thinking about it, he knew it was okay to consider this proposal.
Frederick walked towards the car he was looking at and said, "If the committee needs a sponsor, my company can be of help, and if they accept the proposal for two divisions, it could reach more people."
"I don't know; lately, karate has declined in viewership, and that really scares us..."
"It's probably due to influence; I'm sure that would change in the future."
"Then, if that's all, I have to attend to other customers..." Daniel pointed backward and smiled kindly.
"I'll take this car." Frederick pointed to the Ford Mustang Boss 429 and said, "I'll give it to my son if he wins the tournament. Of course, if he doesn't, I'm afraid I'll give it to him when he graduates from college."
Daniel charmingly smiled knowing that someone would take that expensive car that caused a discussion with his wife. No one could afford such an expensive car, and when he thought he would have to send it to an auction, a buyer came to his door.
"I'll prepare the paperwork!" Daniel said as he invited Frederick to the reception area.
This wasn't a very lively place, and Frederick made sure to pave the way for his son to win everything he could on his own merits. It's true that he hadn't thought much about it, but if, somehow, Devon participates, and she has to face Dash, things could get complicated because of the affection they have for each other.
"All right, Dash, now you won't have any excuses..." Frederick murmured with a slight smile.
"Thank you for your purchase; we'll make the changes you requested and send it to your home as soon as it's finished." Daniel said, holding a bonsai tree.
"I also hope you make changes in the tournament. Call me if you need a sponsor, and I would be happy to help take this tournament to the next level."
Daniel nodded, but he wasn't feeling good about the vibes Frederick was giving him, so he would prefer to consider that in the next committee meeting.
"Here, don't forget your bonsai tree; it will surely look good in your son's room." Daniel said as he handed the tree to Frederick.
"For some reason, he likes Sakura trees more, but I appreciate your gesture." Frederick smiled and left the car dealership.
...
"Are you saying they'll participate in a karate tournament?" Dash, who had called Dre, had just learned the news.
"[Yes, Mr. Han has decided to train me, so I'll participate in the tournament as long as they stop bothering me.]" Dre responded while sharing this great news with a friend.
"You'll have to fight against many; I'm learning Kung Fu, so I could be your reinforcement, like Batman and Robin. I have some things to do, but I could participate in that tournament and, by the way, visit China." Dash said, thinking about what that tournament would be like.
"[Are you serious? Coming to China would be crazy, but it would be amazing if you came and participated in the tournament. I'll tell Mr. Han; he'll surely be much more at ease if someone familiar participates.]"
"Send me the tournament date; I'll travel a few days earlier, and together we'll give those guys bothering you a beating. We have to show them the American style. See you."
After hanging up the call, Dash thought about what the tournament would be like and smiled, feeling excited.